Workers compensation reforms pass without concerns being addressed: Law Society of NSW

In a statement to the media, the President of the Law Society of NSW, Ronan MacSweeney, said the Law Society has “consistently recognised” the need to reform the worker compensation system, noting the pressure it is under.

“During the unusually accelerated consultation process for a legislative scheme with such potentially major impacts for injured workers and employers, the Law Society drew attention to a number of shortcomings of the bill” MacSweeney said. “We proposed alternative approaches to improve systemic efficiency without compromising access to justice.”

The Law Society submitted written and oral contributions to a Parliamentary Inquiry, but MacSweeney said neither the concerns nor the suggestions were addressed in the legislation.

“From a rule of law perspective, we also raised our concerns at the significant deficiencies in the consultation process” MacSweeney continued. “Legislation not subject to comprehensive consultation from the outset is more likely to result in unintended consequences.”

In a statement, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the reforms will allow the government to stabilise the system and return it to a secure footing. “The scheme has been failing injured workers, employers, the non-profit sector and taxpayers for too long. That has now come to an end,” he said.

The Law Society confirmed its committees for Injury Compensation and Employment Law will closely monitor the impact of the legislation.